The Aegean Coast of Turkey

The Aegean coast of Turkey includes the holiday resorts of Datca, Bodrum centre, Yalikavak, Turgutreis, Altinkum, Kusadasi and more. Beaches such as Pamuk are popular and there are many things to do but it is more famously known as home to the ancient city ruins of Ephesus and the house of the Virgin Mary. Izmir, the biggest city on the Aegean coast is also the third biggest in Turkey.

2018 Year of Troy in Turkey is a mass scale event to honour a legendary city of history in grand style and fanfare. The ruins in the North Aegean, western region of Turkey is already one of the country’s top visited tourist attractions, and a popular daytrip from Istanbul, along with a visit to nearby Gallipoli. The celebrations will boost its famous status to even more … [Read more...]

Aegean Turkey might not be as famous as its Mediterranean counterpart, but it has many interesting attractions and beautiful places worth visiting. Also known as the western coast, road tripping it gives way to gorgeous scenic landscapes, small quaint villages and some delightful beaches for sunbathing and swimming.
Although many people start a road trip in the North region, … [Read more...]

Obviously, first on our list of things to do in Selcuk is to visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus. Over many years, archaeologists and historians have painstakingly restored many landmarks of the massive metropolis such as the Celsus library, Roman terrace houses and grand amphitheatre.
You can read more about Ephesus here. However, the Aegean town of Selcuk in Western Turkey … [Read more...]

The extensive work of historians and archaeologists over many centuries has given our generation, impressive landmarks to visit across the world. On the Aegean Coast of Turkey, near the popular coastal resort of Kusadasi, sits one of them, the ancient ruins of Ephesus.
It still portrays magnificence. It still leaves people speechless. It still shows evidence of the forward … [Read more...]

Bodrum on the “Pearl Blue” Aegean coast of Turkey is one of the country’s top holiday destinations, both for foreigners and Turks. As well as hosting budget travellers looking for a good deal, the rich and famous have made it their playground.
This is partly due to its esteemed reputation in the yachting scene of Turkey and as a hub of the Turkish Riviera. Resorts like … [Read more...]

The Seven Churches of Revelation in Turkey are also known as the churches of Asia and as mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, all are in the Aegean region of Turkey. Some, just a shadow of their former glory, are reduced to rubble that is evidence of half-hearted excavation attempts while others now take pride of place on the religious tourism scene of Turkey.
As … [Read more...]

Pamukkale in Aegean Turkey is also called the “Cotton Castle”, because of the white, cottony appearance of the mineral bath spas that abound the province, which is rich in calcium. Known as a “spa town” since the Roman era, tourists travel to Pamukkale to relax in warm, soothing and therapeutic waters in the myriad spas.
About Pamukkale, in Turkey
Pamukkale is a small … [Read more...]

Priene on the Aegean coast of Turkey, between the popular holiday resorts of Kusadasi and Altinkum was an ancient Greek city that belonged to the Ionian empire. It was also a member of the Ionian league that was a confederation of 12 cities, entrusted with making important decisions of the time, perhaps viewed as one of the earliest forms of Government.
Famed for its … [Read more...]

A trip to Turkey would not be complete without a trip to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Temple of Artemis was built in 650 BC under the reign of King Croesus of Lydia as a place of worship to the Greek goddess of hunt and wilderness, Artemis, who was also the twin of Apollo.
Facts and Architecture about the Temple
The temple, … [Read more...]

If you’re a devoted Christian, you would surely want to see the House of Virgin Mary, which is believed to have been the last home of the Virgin before she died. Records hold that Mary was delegated to the care of John the Baptist by Jesus Christ after his resurrection; and John chose to bring Mary to Ephesus where he also planned to spread the teachings of Christ.
The House … [Read more...]

Turkey has done a great job of transforming ancient cities into modern metropolises such as Izmir, its third largest city. With a history that dates back to 3,000 BC when Trojans discovered the city, it has successfully combined primeval structures with contemporary architecture into a beautiful marriage of history and modernity.
There is a lot to see in Izmir, but wear light … [Read more...]

The Aegean region of Turkey is not as famous as the Mediterranean for its collection of ancient ruins. The south-west coast attracts visitors because of the Lycian way and UNESCO World Heritage sites, but the Aegean coast still has a right to boast. As the destination for the Seven Churches of Revelation, its collection of ancient ruins include great favorites such as Ephesus … [Read more...]

The ancient city of Pergamon belongs to the top 100 historical sites of Turkey and it has recently been added to the UNESCO World heritage list. Its most remarkable monuments and buildings date as far back as 197-159 BC and include the Hellenistic Theater, the Trajaneum (Sanctuary of Trajan), and Atheneum (the Library).
Pergamon is 26 kilometers from the Aegean Sea and its … [Read more...]

The town of Canakkale, being located between the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmara, is a seaport that is of great importance to Turkey. Two things that make Canakkale of historical relevance are its early civilization (3000BC to 400AD) and the two most remarkable battles in history – the mythical Trojan War and the Battle of Canakkale during World War I. Because of its … [Read more...]

The Library of Celsus is one of the most well restored ruins in Turkey. What makes it unique is that while most libraries serve only the function of archiving books and documents, this one served as the final resting place of Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, in whose honor the library was built.
Julius Celsus was a very wealthy and influential citizen who was elected consul … [Read more...]

The state agora of Ephesus was built in the 4th century BC under the rule of Alexander the Great with the main objective of being a business capital where state heads converged to discuss business matters.
The ruins that stand now are not of the original structure, but are remains of the restored Agora under the efforts of Faustina, the wife of Marcus Aurelius.
Although it … [Read more...]

When visiting Turkey, the Acropolis of Pergamum must never be missed. It is one of the most dramatic sights in the country and is also of great historical significance, perceived to be the heart of Pergamum.
The locals sought refuge from the Acropolis when the town was under siege until the time came when buildings and establishments were erected that it became a city of its … [Read more...]

Out of all the ancient ruins on the Aegean coast of Turkey, Ephesus is the most famous and popular. This is understandable since it was the second largest city of the Roman Empire. Yet if time is no restriction, there are much more historical sites to visit including the relatively unknown capital of ancient Lydia, called Sardis. Located 60 miles east of the Izmir peninsula, … [Read more...]

The Aegean coast of Turkey is a prolific destination, popular with foreign and domestic holidaymakers because of the scenic coastal resorts, historical sites, and easy transport network.
Stretching from the coast near Istanbul to the Marmaris peninsula, the region is ideally suited for all types of travellers including families, couples, group of friends and solo … [Read more...]

For people thinking about a city break destination in Turkey, most automatically head to the bustling metropolis of Istanbul. The historical attractions, vibrant nightlife and numerous shopping venues provide the perfect setting. There is however, another city in Turkey that is ideal for foreign visitors and that is Izmir on the Aegean coast.
(Picture by Aktugan)
About … [Read more...]

My first visit to Bodrum was a brief trip in 2002. I was working for a holiday company and we had to attend a training session. Sightseeing was not on the agenda though and it was not several years later, that I could see exactly the appeal of Bodrum town centre.
Some of the smaller coastal resorts had sold out to mass tourism but the town centre itself stayed true to … [Read more...]

On the Aegean coast of Turkey, stands Kusadasi, frequently criticized for its ugly appearance yet it remains so popular with package holidaymakers, independent travellers, and cruise ship passengers. The reason why is because it serves as a good base for several surrounding attractions. One week in Kusadasi is never enough to see everything that the area offers. The variety of … [Read more...]

At the entrance to the Aegean resort of Didim, lie the historical ruins of the Temple of Apollo. The name itself is not unique as there were many temples dedicated to the mythological god. Famous for his ability to heal, it comes as no surprise to learn the temple of Apollo in Didim was a popular sanctuary and one of the most famous oracles in the world.
About the Didim … [Read more...]

The Aegean coast of Turkey is a popular holiday destination for people of all nationalities. One of the biggest attractions is the impressive and majestic ruins of Ephesus.
However, many other historic landmarks as well as beautiful landscapes and traditional coastal fishing villages are good reasons to extend your stay in the region. Here are some exciting choices of … [Read more...]

At the beginning of every year, the camel wrestling festival of Selcuk, begins on the Aegean coast of Turkey. It will run to the end of March when one camel is chosen as the winner in a victorious celebration. It is a great honor for the owner of the camel who will spend all year ensuring his camel is in top condition for the wrestling match.
Throughout the event, bets are … [Read more...]

The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts of Turkey are one long stretch of beautiful and scenic destinations. The coastline is full of historical ruins, sandy beaches, and sleepy fishing villages that are the Turkish Riviera, which it is not as well-known as its French counterpart, but just as alluring.
Gulet cruising the Turkish Riviera is not a new phenomenon but it has never … [Read more...]

Many international cruise ships will dock into Izmir and travellers also pass through on their way to the popular historic ruins in the region.
It is the third largest city in Turkey so it goes without saying that there are plenty of shore excursions for anyone who has limited time in the country.
From historical ruins to shopping delights, we list a few ideas of things to do … [Read more...]

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